Introduction to Kumarakom: In the lush backwaters of Kottayam in Kerala, lies a veritable paradise which is called Kumarakom, or the 'Venice of the East'. Palm fringed narrow canals winding through the vast expanse of paddy fields, and the neat tiny hamlets lined up along either side of the canals are panoramic sights one can never forget. Kumarakom is Keralas heartland of lagoons, palm fringed lakes, and paddy fields, inter-linked with hundreds of winding canals, with the typical low slung country boats that carry everything from people to fish, rice and coconuts to the milkman and newspaper boy, local politicians and priests to wedding parties.

Traditional cargo boats called Kettuvalloms are modified into cruise boats and house boats, with all basic facilities like bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, sit-outs etc. These boats gracefully move around the backwaters, providing facilities to tourist to enjoy the beauty of the Vembanad lake at a relaxed pace.

On the western side of the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is also famous for the seasonal migratory birds that come to this bird sanctuary in their respective seasons. Pathiramal, which literally means 'the midnight sand,' is a lonely island in the lake. Backwater cruises are accessible from this spot. A number of visitors flock to this place during the tourist season. It is an ideal destination for the newly married couples.

Sightseeing: A visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Vembanad Lake provide you with beautiful sights besides offering you with an opportunity for boating and fishing.

Excursions: Forty km north of Kottayam is an important Shiva temple known as the Vaikom Temple. This temple is associated with the legendary Parasurama. This temple also depicts the typical Kerala temple culture.

Wagamon is another place to visit while going for excursion in and around Kottayam. The place is 60 km from Kottayam town. This place has good spots for trekking and so the place is called the trekkers' paradise.

A few other places worth visiting while at Kottayam and Kumarakom are St Mary's Church (Valiapally), St Mary's Orthodox Church (Cheriyapally), and St Joseph's Monastery (Mannanam).